best place to buy a computer?

I'm at a loss. My beloved laptop seems to have reached its end of days. (Technically it's repairable, but I'd have to take it in somewhere due to lack of equipment here, and it'll be a pricey fix if somebody else does it.)

So now I'm in the market for a new computer, this time a desktop. If I were in the US, I'd know which sites to go to for a customisable system that meets all my many requirements. Over here, though, I don't have the foggiest.

I've looked at PC World and none of theirs meet my desired specs. I could go through HP or Dell's business wings, but it would be very pricey. I could do Maplin, but then I'd be building it myself, which I don't really want to do.

So.... where does one get a custom-built computer here?

TIA

Dell. We got our laptop at Dell and my husband buit our PC.

Hi Jen,

What kind of Spec are you looking for? is it very esoteric requirements you have? particular software which needs certain hardware specs? or, are you looking to 'concentrate' spec in a certain area only? graphics, or CPU processing power etc?

I know of quite a few sites which allow you to specify requirements and they'll build it up for you. Some are geared towards gaming and some towards CPU power and others for mixutres of the two etc.

I've been looking around for a bespoke system as well, just holding off as I sort out more requirements etc.

If you give me a little more info, I'll be more than happy to provide URL's for you to research!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I got my Dell Vostro (a business computer normally) through the web fairly recently for something like £350 including delivery (this was including a 19" flat screen monitor!)  It was a special offer that I found out about through a blog that was linked on UK-Y, actually.  I can't trawl through the threads to find it for you right now but it was a topic posted in August about buying a new computer which should have the link to the blog...lots of good deals there.

www.mesh.com - my IT husband always orders his computers from here (desktops).

I recently bought a Dell XPS laptop and had it built to my needs. I'm very happy with it and it was reasonably priced.

I'm at a loss. My beloved laptop seems to have reached its end of days. (Technically it's repairable, but I'd have to take it in somewhere due to lack of equipment here, and it'll be a pricey fix if somebody else does it.)

So now I'm in the market for a new computer, this time a desktop. If I were in the US, I'd know which sites to go to for a customisable system that meets all my many requirements. Over here, though, I don't have the foggiest.

I've looked at PC World and none of theirs meet my desired specs. I could go through HP or Dell's business wings, but it would be very pricey. I could do Maplin, but then I'd be building it myself, which I don't really want to do.

So.... where does one get a custom-built computer here?

TIA

What's wrong with your laptop?  I use to repair laptops on the side.  Parts can be ordered from ebay usually.  In any case if you want local service you can go to local computer shops and have them build one for you to your specs.  Dell would be the easiest and probably cheaper option though.

We just bought a very cheap Dell that works like adream..it was about £350 and includes one year free support.

Vicky

I work for PC World, what kind of spec are you after?

I need a dual core processor, 3+ gig speed, 200+gig drive, plus all the standard features.

I got my last one off-the-shelf at Currys.  The whole thing took 20 minutes.

The only thing I can add is that if your new computer comes with Windows Vista, then take special note that installing Alcohol 120% will cause an infinite blue screen loop.  Which can be a disappointment.

And Vista just plain flat-out REFUSES to install Nero, even version 8 delux.

Ah.  Good points.

I didn't go for Vista, as was advised that it was problematic.

Vicky

I didn't go for Vista, as was advised that it was problematic.

Agreed. I specifically requested Windows XP Professional when I ordered my new Dell, as I'm planning on staying away from Vista for a little while yet.

Hiya

Jen252 hasn't updated with the spec's required as yet!

For those with Vista take-up concerns, things are getting better and quite quickly too. About 4 months ago I had to upgrade to a new laptop. Went for one with Vista Ultimate and I've experienced no issues whatsoever in terms of useability and stability.

My HP All-in-one, had Vista drivers available for download, installed and printer working within 5 mins. Home Wi-fi setup, detected network, asked to connect, stuck in my WPA security password, connected to router & internet available 7 seconds later. Webcam, Yep, Vista drivers released, installed and that was working within 3 mins. Security package, installed, configured running within 15 mins after a full system scan. Accounting package, installed, working within 5 mins - updated previous database as well.
MS Office, all installed, activated within 5 mins - checking my documents 10 seconds later. Adobe Reader, downloaded latest release, working within 2 mins. PDA then connected via USB, connected and synchronised within 5 mins.

So within about 30-45 mins or so, I'd gotten fully work capable on Vista, and have been ever since.
The 'problems' arise where the various software/hardware you may have hasn't had a Vista driver or update provided by the manufacturer. Many people will 'assume' it'll just work, plug in their 4 month old printer and then tear their hair out at why it won't work properly or print out crap! - will then blame Vista and Microsoft and curse even more when the manufacturer hasn't released that update. Most of these type of issues have gotten much better over the last 6 months or so.

However there are some downsides.

1. Network connectivity performance is somewhat blunted in Vista - I noticed right away I couldn't stream my Music & Films with the same quick access as under XP, takes 5-8 seconds before playback begins. This 'flaw' is well noted in the forums. Once streaming, it's totally fine
2. getting used to the extra options and configuring certain elements and getting used to where the icons etc are takes a little getting used to - I got a little miffed when I had to go digging around for certain aspects.
3. More high end IT system users will find other issues too - but seeing as this forum is 'mainly' home based non IT users - I won't go into those.

Overall, if all your software and hardware has Vista drivers or new versions, and your needs are typical of home users, you'll find Vista will work - if you do need more IT functional aspects or can't move for legacy XP software/hardware, then no point to update to Vista as yet.

I also bought myself another laptop which is a thin and light machine and run Windows XP on that for the various elements I need for XP legacy support/use and will be creating a Dual Boot on it and install Vista as well - So I can choose between the 2 at startup.

For those using Apple machines, using 'Parallels' software means you can run Windows XP or Vista within the Apple machine, so can use PC only software to cover specific software thats XP/Vista or Windows based only.

Back to the OP - any idea on those specs? I'll put through the links I have for decent systems/vendors at that point.

I've also used MESH and have found them excellent and they do build to spec although not as 'open' as they use base units for which you then specify selected components to 'build to spec'

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I'll post with the full spec list tomorrow or Wednesday. As I'm sharing Adam's computer, I haven't had much keyboard time today.

I looked at Dell and to get the specs I want it would be well over £700, which is a bit excessive for the pieces.

I briefly looked at MESH and they don't seem to do small profile units, which is one of my main requirements.

Well... took me until Thursday to get enough time on the computer to get all this down...

My ideal specs:

Quad core processor (could go with a duo, though) min clock speed 2.66 Ghz
NVidia GE Force 8800 series
Moderately good sound card (Might eventually hook this into the sound system, but it's not a big concern)
Dual hard drives, min capacity 250GB each
Min 6 USB 2.0 slots
DVD R/RW drive
Min 17 inch flat screen monitor
Compact/ultracompact case
Integrated wireless

There are some things that I can be flexible on. The main thing is that it has to be a compact case with a very fast processor, excellent video card, and big hard drives. (I do photo editing and graphic design stuff and am getting into video editing.)